Manchester United have confirmed that Manuel Ugarte will be sidelined for a long period after suffering a knee ligament injury while representing Uruguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Softfootball reports.
The midfielder was stretchered off in tears during Uruguay’s match against Spain, with early assessments suggesting a serious injury that could involve an ACL tear, alongside possible meniscus and calf damage. Recovery is expected to take between nine and 12 months, depending on further medical evaluations.
The injury comes at a difficult time for both Ugarte and Manchester United, as the club had been considering the possibility of selling the midfielder during the summer transfer window. Recent reports had suggested that Ugarte’s future at Old Trafford was uncertain, with United open to evaluating offers.
However, the setback has now complicated those plans. A long-term injury could make it difficult for the club to find a suitable buyer, potentially forcing United to keep the player while he focuses on rehabilitation.
The situation may also impact United’s midfield strategy, with the club potentially needing to explore additional reinforcements to maintain squad depth ahead of the new season.
Ugarte joined United with high expectations due to his defensive qualities, energy, and ball-winning ability. His absence represents a major setback as the club continues planning for the future under its new direction.
Manchester United will now monitor his recovery while reassessing their transfer decisions surrounding the midfielder.
